October 13, 2021

Sober October - How Alcohol Affects your Skin

 October sees the return of Sober October, a campaign run by Macmillan that encourages people to go alcohol-free for a month in October to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

We all know that drinking alcohol regularly can affect the skin, causing inflammation and dehydration, but how can applying skincare products topically that contain ethanol (alcohol) affect the skin?

Here Dr Pauline Hili, a renowned organic skincare expert and Founder of Nourish London organic and vegan skincare reveals the 5 main ways that alcohol applied daily damages the skin:

  • Ethanol will interact with the skin's natural lipids and destroy their structure.  Damage to this lipid layer results in the skin being less able to protect itself from the external environment leading to dryness and flakiness.
  • Ethanol effects the natural skin bacteria that help keep the skin looking healthy.
  • For sensitive skin types alcohol will increase the irritation potential of the skin  dramatically.
  • Can create localised inflammation that results in redness, dullness and longer term  enlarged pores.
  • Ethanol can increase skins permeability to damaging chemicals.

    Dr Pauline Hili adds: “Here at Nourish London we do not use any ethanol in our products. It was one of our golden formulation rules whilst developing the range. Although, as a formulator I acknowledge that ethanol applied topically in certain medicated antiseptics has a place, for everyday skin care, the negatives outweigh any positives and that is why we choose to formulate Nourish London without it. By avoiding using ethanol in our products, it also means we have just a little more room to include vitamins and minerals that have a real nutritional value to the skin.”

    Go sober this October and rejuvenate your complexion with Nourish London’s range of alcohol-free, certified organic, 100% vegan, ethically sourced and cruelty-free skincare.

    KALE 3D Cleanse (100ml), £26.00

    Gently cleanse your skin with Nourish London’s Kale 3D Cleanse, this unique colour changing facial wash lifts impurities to reveal healthy, radiant skin. Superfood Kale and Griffonia detoxifies and protect against pollution, helping to minimise the signs of ageing, whilst Hyaluronic Acid, probiotics and oxygenating extracts work in synergy to energise and refresh the skin, as this facial wash lifts make up and grime.

    KALE Anti-ageing Eye Cream (10ml), £30.00

    Nourish and hydrate the delicate skin around your eyes with Nourish London’s Kale Anti-ageing Eye Cream, which visibly reduces fine lines and dark circles for a brighter, rested look. Supercharged with Peptides, Amino Acids, B Vitamins and Antioxidants to boost natural resilience against signs of ageing.  Biomimetic Peptides stimulate the production of structural skin components to firm and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin-rich Kale extract, Maqui Berry and Pomegranate enzymes help counter puffiness and dark circles.

    RADIANCE Firming Facial Oil (15ml), £27.00

    Relax and rejuvenate your skin with Nourish London’s Radiance Firming Facial Oil, which contains a luxurious blend of omega-rich Macadamia and Pumpkin Oil together with Rosehip and Borage Oil, with a rich fragrance of Geranium and Damask Rose. This luxurious facial oil restores the hydro-lipid layer to immediately improve skin's elasticity, giving a firmer, more youthful complexion. Marine Algae extract and Frankincense help protect collagen to counter the signs of ageing. 

    ANTIOXIDANT Peptide Mist (100ml), £22.00

    For an instant moisture boost, apply Nourish London’s Antioxidant Peptide Mist. This luxurious multi-tasking facial mist is scientifically formulated to instantly hydrate, brighten, protect and calm the skin. Powered with antioxidant Turmeric, Probiotic Minerals and anti-ageing Peptides, this invigorating facial mist offers daily skin protection and reinforces the skin’s natural defences against harmful environmental damage, such as pollution and oxidative stress. It contains hydrating boosting Hyaluronic Acid and Liquorice to help brighten the skin and boost radiance, whilst a soothing blend of essential oils, including Petitgrain, Geranium and Lavender helps to calm the skin and relax the mind.

    T.S.L. Tighten, Sculpt and Lift Neck Elixir (30ml), £25.00.

    Make sure you pay special attention to your neck with Nourish London’s T.S.L. Tighten, Sculpt and Lift Neck Elixir, this nourishing neck cream has been specially formulated to lift, firm and smooth the neck and décolleté for a more youthful look. Antioxidant-rich bioactives and peptides stimulate collagen and elastin production to protect the structural components of the skin and minimise the signs of ageing. Vitamin and mineral-rich Kale and Griffonia extracts protect skin from environmental stress and damage.